By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Walter F. Melka, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, when his platoon had been disorganized by intense shell and machine gun fire, Sergeant Melka reorganized it, and by his daring and leadership got it safely to cover without casualties.